The lived experience of nurses who volunteered to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea: A qualitative phenomenological study

Aim: To explore the motivation and lived experience of nurses responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea.

Background: Identifying motivation, barriers and facilitators to nurses' willingness to work during a pandemic is necessary to prepare for future pandemic responses.

Methods: Ten individual interviews were conducted. Interviews were analysed and synthesized following Colaizzi's method.

Results: Six major themes identified: Decision to participate in the COVID-19 response; Facing hardship; Distress due to the nature of COVID-19; Overcoming hardship; Growing through the COVID-19 response; and The need for reciprocity.

Conclusion: The increased demands for nursing care during the pandemic highlight the need for strong organisational support and effective workforce strategies. Our study results can inform the development of programmes and policies that are proactive, rather than reactive, to prepare for future pandemic situations.

Implications for nursing management: To recruit and manage nurses during a pandemic effectively, a safe work environment with proper resources should be established. Additionally, adequate education, training and compensation are needed.